Spirit Airlines halted all operations and canceled all flights at 3AM ET on Saturday, ending 34 years in business [1]. Its website redirected visitors to spiritrestructuring.com and advised travelers not to go to airports [1]. A statement posted there said refunds for tickets purchased by credit or debit card have been issued and will be processed by Spirit’s credit card processor [1].
The shutdown could affect as many as 17,000 jobs, according to a lawyer for Spirit [1]. More than 2,000 pilots were represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which said members "deserved better than this outcome" [1].
Spirit attributed the closure to recent material increases in oil prices and other pressures that significantly impacted its financial outlook. The company cited "extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business and pursue transactions to strengthen Spirit’s financial position and create a sustainable path forward" but ultimately failed to keep flying [1].
After the shutdown was announced, air traffic control records captured controllers and pilots signing off as Spirit’s last flights landed [1].
Spirit’s website noted travelers with tickets through May 16 can use United flights. JetBlue offered rescue fares starting at $99 one-way [1].
The full impact to employees, routes, and customers remains unfolding in the coming days as Spirit’s shutdown takes effect [1].
